Gone But Not Forgotten

Sister Baldwin was a member of Local 537's Executive Board for many years, as well as our Delegate to the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Political Coordinator, and FORUM member. She was a decades-long member of the labor movement, whose tireless efforts on behalf of Labor in general, and OPEIU Local 537 in particular, defined the true meaning of what it means to be a Union member. As an advocate in support of working families, Marilyn volunteered her time during election seasons, labor events, and marches, including the history-making three-day "Hollywood to the Docks" march and rally in April 2008.

Marilyn, a 50-year member of OPEIU, continued to fight for the cause of Labor after her retirement in 2004, and even up to being stricken with illness. The sadness we feel at Local 537 is tremendous and we mourn the loss of this great lady.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we report on the unexpected passing of one of Local 537's titan members, Stephen "Big Steve" Allen, who passed away in his sleep on April 7.

Brother Allen was a twenty-five-year member of Local 537, who worked at SAG-AFTRA for 17 years, where he was an active and involved team member in the labor movement and a most beloved member of the SAG-AFTRA team. Prior to that, he worked at SEIU Local 660. He was a part of several negotiation committees, and worked tirelessly to help attain the best agreements for his bargaining unit brothers and sisters.

He was a larger-than-life man, with a mammoth heart, who loved and cared for everybody with whom he worked. He knew everybody in the SAG-AFTRA building, as well as those who worked and patronized at businesses nearby. Each day, his arrival in the morning was loud and joyous and set the harmonious tone for the workplace.

This one-of-a-kind man left an empty space too huge for any one person to fill. The sadness we feel at Local 537, as well as his coworkers at SAG-AFTRA, is tremendous and we mourn the loss of this great man with the huge spirit. RIH, Brother Allen.